May 5th

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

“In September 2016, the Government of Canada launched an entirely independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In June 2019, the MMIWG National Inquiry released their final report, finding that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

Indigenous women face life-threatening, gender-based violence, and disproportionately experience violent crimes because of hatred and racism, as the 1484 family members and survivors proved during their testimonies for the National Inquiry. The Calls to Justice 15.1-15.8 asks Canadians to learn how violence against Indigenous women and girls is part of longstanding colonial policies, rather than a result of individual choice.

The Government of Canada has set up a national, toll-free crisis line, to provide support for anyone who requires assistance.  This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishinaabemowin (Ojbiway) and Inuktitut.

Please call 1-844-413-6649 if you or someone you know needs help or support.”

Information from The University of British Columbia

Check out these videos for some more information about why the red dress is used as a symbol for MMIWG.

This video of the reading of Missing Nimama by Melanie Florence is recommended for children aged 8 and up. You can find more information about this author here:

• MMIWG Final Report
  The full report of the National Inquiry

• MMIWG Fact Sheet
  Fact sheet created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada

• LGBTQ & Two Spirit Fact Sheet
  Fact sheet created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada

• Safe Passage
  An initiative of the Native Women’s Association of Canada

• Mending the Sacred Hoop
  Mending the Sacred Hoop works from a social change perspective to end violence against Native women and children while restoring the safety, sovereignty, and sacredness of Native women.

• Alberta MMIWG Facts
  Fact sheet created by the Native Women’s Association of Canada

Further readings and resources